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Lawmakers aim to reach budget deadline

Any hope for an on-time state budget has all but vanished in Harrisburg. Lawmakers say they’d consider passing an emergency short term budget if negotiations drag deep into the summer.

Any hope for an on-time state budget has all but vanished in Harrisburg. Lawmakers say they’d consider passing an emergency short term budget if negotiations drag deep into the summer.

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With top Democrats calling for an income tax hike and Republicans vowing to shoot down any revenue increase, August 1st is beginning to sound like an optimistic prediction for when lawmakers will reach a spending agreement.

Governor Rendell says he’s committed to working around the clock to strike a deal, but insists new taxes will have to be part of the final arrangement.